Gamble, Lichtensteiger Junior Fair royalty

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

The Van Wert County Fair crowned its 50th Junior Fair king and queen on Sunday as Chloee Gamble and Travis Lichtensteiger were chosen to preside over this year’s Junior Fair activities.

Gamble, the daughter of Greg and Keely Gamble, said being crowned queen meant a lot to her.

“I’m very involved in 4-H and I want to be able to represent it as best as I can throughout the fair week and the rest of the year,” she said. “I think this is a wonderful opportunity and I’m very thankful to be chosen as Junior Fair queen.”

A senior at Van Wert High School, Gamble is used to taking on new roles and is very involved in her school and community. She is a member of National Honor Society, Beta Club, Student Council, Spanish Club, Service Pack, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and was a representative to Buckeye Girls’ State. She is also an accomplished athlete who has participated in cross country, track and swimming, and is also a member of the band and choir.

Her 4-H activities include being a member of the Shooting Stars 4-H Club and the Junior Fair Board. She also is active in the Ohio City Community Church’s youth group and worship team.

Although she knows that being Junior Fair queen is not all fun and games, Gamble said she was definitely looking forward to it.

“It’s a lot of work and takes a lot of time, but it’s definitely worth it, and it is a great opportunity,” she said.

The new Junior Fair king was also pleased to be chosen for that honor.

Being crowned Junior Fair king capped a busy summer for Lichtensteiger, who spent time in Japan earlier this summer to participate in the Boy Scouts World Jamboree.

“I’m excited to be the king of the 159th Van Wert County Fair and to represent the community coming together for this great event,” Lichtensteiger said. “I’ve always seen the king as somebody who has the leadership ability and helps bring people together, and it’s a great time meeting everybody.”

Lichtensteiger, the son of Dave and Janice Lichtensteiger and a senior at Crestview High School, is also active at school and in his community.

He is a member of the marching, concert and pep bands at Crestview, and also is a member of the Crestview FFA chapter, where he earned his state degree. He is an Eagle scout for Troop 45 in Convoy, is a member of NYLT and the Harrison Jolly Boosters and 4-H Exchange clubs.

He also volunteers with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Van Wert and is a junior curator with the Van Wert County Historical Society. He was a member of the cast of Crestview’s production of Shrek: the Musical and was a representative to Buckeye Boys’ State.

Lichtensteiger, who helps out on the family farm and plans to attend The Ohio State University majoring in agriculture, said he plans to have a good time as Junior Fair king during the fair.

“I’m looking forward to all the great events I’ll be able to attend and being able to meet and communicate with everybody and get to know them better,” Lichtensteiger noted.

Emily Bauer was named queen runner-up, while Ronnie Schumm was king runner-up. Species royalty include the following: Morgan Curran, dairy princess; Maddie Pohlman, goat princess; Whitney Welker, beef princess; and 2014 Junior Fair Queen Sophie Wilson was named sheep princess.